Tommy's Testimonial: honouring a legend

As the new season draws ever closer, the Spireites will take the time to honour long-serving goalkeeper Tommy Lee, as his testimonial will take place on Wednesday. The match will take place against a Wigan Athletic side managed by former Town boss Paul Cook, with 50 ex Chesterfield players attending the event.

During his time at Chesterfield, Tommy Lee made 373 appearances over a 10 year spell, which has seen him gain legendary status at the club. Lee was signed in August of 2008 from Macclesfield, on a one-year contract. The stopper quickly became a fan favourite, picking up multiple fan-voted awards at the club, as Lee soon established himself as one of the finest ‘keepers in the Football League. During Tommy’s 10 year spell at the club, the Spireites won the League 2 title in the 10/11 and 13/14 seasons, where Lee found himself in the PFA League 2 team of the year in both seasons. In the 2011/12 season, Tommy fulfilled the dream of many football fans, by playing (and winning) at Wembley, in the final of the Football League trophy, with a 2-0 victory over Swindon. Lee was also a major part of the 2014/15 League 1 playoff side, which included the likes of Premier League player Sam Clucas, Egypt international Sam Morsy and fan favourites such as Jimmy Ryan and Tendayi Darikwa. Tommy made his 300^th appearance for Town against Shrewsbury on the 2^nd of January 2016, in an emphatic 7-1 win for the Spireites.

When speaking with Spire Media in April, Tommy spoke of his excitement for the match.

“It’s something I am humbled and honoured by,” said the former shot stopper. “I had some fantastic times at the club, so it’s going to be a special day for me and my family.”

As for where this game falls in pre-season for the Spireites, this match will prove to be a good test for Chesterfield, with Martin Allen’s men preparing to play Wigan Athletic. The Spireites have enjoyed a decent start to pre-season, with a few wins under their belts, however the Championship outfit will prove to be the first challenge for Town. Allen will hope to have a few players back from injury, including fullback duo Drew Talbot and Bradley Barry. Both have trained with the first team squad this week, so both seem to be close to recovery.

Wigan will bring former Town affiliates with them, with Sam Morsy, Gary Roberts and Paul Cook all returning to the Proact. All three were at the club between 2013-2015, where the Spireites enjoyed a successful spell, winning the League 2 title, delivering another Wembley trip and reaching the League 1 playoffs. Other notable players in the squad is former Chesterfield midfielder Jordan Flores, who joined Chesterfield on loan last season, before injury cut his spell short, and talisman striker Will Grigg, who has a fantastic goal record over the past few seasons.

Wednesdays match will allow the Chesterfield faithful to honour one of the greatest players in the clubs history, who was also a fantastic servant to the club. The club are keen for as many Town fans as possible to come and show their appreciation for Tommy, who made over 300 league appearances for the Spireites. Tickets for the testimonial are £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £3 for children.